Protect Against Gelcoat Blisters with the Interlux InterProtect&reg System

Prevention is always better than cure and it makes perfect sense to protect a new boat as well as an older craft. To achieve this protection, it's necessary to seal the hull surface by sheathing it with a water barrier over the existing gelcoat. Ideally, the best time to apply an anti-osmosis system is before launching the boat. Some boat builders now offer Interlux's InterProtect treatment as part of their production process, so it's worth finding out if this is the case.

However, it must be stressed that protective systems cannot stop osmosis once it has started, or prevent it from occurring in poorly constructed hulls. It is important that a full check is undertaken before starting.

Choose an InterProtect&reg System For Your Application: InterProtect&reg 2000E or InterProtect&reg HS

InterProtect 2000E and InterProtect HS are the industry standards for gelcoat repair systems, so your choice for the right product for your application depends on a number of factors, including your application procedures, VOC restrictions, and drying times. The tables below list the characteristics of both systems, as well as their recommended overcoat intervals.

Characteristics

InterProtect&reg 2000E

InterProtect&reg HS

Color

Gray 2000E and White 2002E

Gray

Application Methods

Roll, brush, or spray

Airless spray, brush, and roll

VOC

464 g/l

289 g/l

Volume Solids

45%

66%

Application Temperature

40-95&degF (5-35&degC)

41-95&degF (5-35&degC)

Theoretical Coverage

240 ft2/gal/coat brush or roll applied

151 ft2/gal to reach a DFT of 7 mils

Mixing Ratio

3:1

2:1

Solvent

Interlux 2316N or Interlux 2333N

Interlux 2316N or Interlux 2333N

Clean-Up

Interlux 2316N

Interlux 2316N

Pot Life

5 hours

2.5 hours

Recommended Overcoating Intervals:InterProtect&reg 2000E

Substrate Temp

TIME BETWEEN COATS OF
INTERPROTECT® 2000E**

FIRST COATING OF
ANTIFOULING

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

41°F (5°C)

10 Hours

6 Months

10 Hours****

24 Hours****

50°F (10°C)

5 Hours

6 Months

5 Hours

9 Hours

73°F (23°C)

3 Hours

6 Months

3 Hours

7 Hours

95°F (35°C)

2 Hours

6 Months

1 Hour

5 Hours

Number of Coats

4/5

1

*It usually takes 4-5 coats of InterProtect 2000E/2001E but the final film thickness of 10 mils DFT is more important than the number of coats.

**If you exceed the maximum dry times between coats of epoxy you must sand with 80 grit and apply at least one more coat of InterProtect 2000E/2001E to ensure having 10 mils DFT.

***Overcoating times will vary due to wide variations in temperature and humidity. The best method to determine when the InterProtect 2000E is Ready-to-Overcoat is to check the paint film using the "Thumb Print" test. If the InterProtect 2000E feels tacky and you can leave a thumbprint in the paint film without getting any paint on your thumb, it is ready for overcoating.

Test the paint film 1 hour after starting the application. Continue testing every 15 minutes using the "Thumb Print" test until reaching the ready-to-overcoat stage. Immediately begin to apply the Interlux antifouling paint once the primer has reached the ready-to-overcoat stage. Do not use this method with Epiglass Epoxy or InterProtect® 3000. These times do not apply to VC Offshore or Baltoplate, Micron® Optima or Fiberglass Bottomkote&reg Aqua. Do not use the "Thumb Print" test when applying VC&reg Offshore, Baltoplate, VC&reg 17m Extra or any vinyl antifouling over InterProtect.

IMPORTANT: The "Thumb Print" test cannot be used to determine when InterProtect HS is ready to overcoat. Refer to the InterProtect&reg HS Product Data Sheet for more information on applying antifouling paint to InterProtect HS. Apply enough InterProtect HS to reach 10 mils WFT (Wet Film Thickness), 7 mils DFT (Dry Film Thickness) for areas below the waterline, or a WFT of 8 mils and a DFT of 5 mils for above-water areas. This may take 3 coats by brush/roller, depending on the type of roller used, OR 1 coat by spraying, but the amount of paint is more important than the number of coats. To determine how much InterProtect HS is needed, refer to Page 8 of the InterProtect&reg Product Information Brochure.